If you've been to one, I don't have to tell you how overwhelming and confusing it can be. There are so many vendors to speak to that it can be hard to know where to start!
So how can you get the most out of a bridal show...without going into cardiac arrest?
Photo of bride and groom in the street
I called on the Hudson Valley's bridal show expert, Kenneth Rabasco aka Bosco of Bosco's Bridal for help. Bosco has been leading bridal shows in the northeastern US since 1997 and he specializes in bridal expos for the New York City, Westchester and Hudson Valley area of NY.
If anyone knows how to survive a bridal show...and get the maximum benefit from it...it's him.
15 Bridal Show Survival Tips From Bosco
1. Bring the Groom. Don't leave your fiancé at home! If you find the perfect wedding vendor, you'll probably want his input before making the arrangements. With your FI at your side, you can take advantage of those special bridal show deals and promotions. (P.S. He won't be the only guy there. I promise!)
2. Register. There may be a line, but make sure you register and sign up at the door. Why? You'll be eligible for great door prizes and will receive exclusive offers and discounts from wedding vendors after the show.
3. Wear that bride-to-be button. Yes, it's a little cheesy, but it's FUN! People will be congratulating you all night and asking to see your ring. Plus, it lets the vendors know who you are so you get the star treatment.
4. Bring a pen, notebook and clipboard. You'll want some paper to take notes and jot down any ideas that come to mind. If you've got a wedding planning binder, bring it with you and add business cards and brochures right on the spot. It will save you tons of time.
5. Bring your appointment book. If you meet a vendor you like, having your appointment book, iPhone or Blackberry handy makes setting a date easy. Why play phone tag later on when you can connect on the spot?
6. Write notes on the vendors' literature. If possible, take notes right on the vendor's business card or brochure. Things to write down: services, prices, whatever you talked about. It will help you connect the vendor with the conversation later on.
7. Bring pre-printed address labels. In addition to the door prize, you can also enter to win giveaways 
and raffles at most of the booths. Instead of scrawling your name, address, email and phone on every single contest entry, make up address labels beforehand. Your writing hand will thank you!
8. Ask about availability FIRST. As soon as you meet a wedding professional ask, "Are you available for my date?" If not, move on. Don't be afraid to cut to the chase; it saves both you and the vendor time.
9. Ask TONS of questions. A bridal show is a great place to get ideas for your wedding and there will be dozens of wedding professionals you can use as resources. Be bold. Ask their opinion. Taste the cake. Smell the flowers. Have fun with it!
10. Bring along your color swatches. This makes it easy to ask for flower, dress and cake suggestions to match your color ideas.
11. Bring along your bridal posse. There might be hundreds of vendors to visit. With a group you can divide and conquer to find the coolest wedding professionals and the best deals.
12. Take lots of information. Even if you aren't looking for a violinist or a calligrapher that day, you might want one later on. Save it to sift through later on in your planning.
13. If you are planning from out of town, send your mother or bridesmaids to scope out the show for you. They can collect information and report back on their findings.
14. Stay for the fashion show. It's one of the highlights of the bridal expo, so make sure you get a good seat!
15. Wear comfortable shoes! You'll be on your feet for a few hours; don't use the show as an opportunity to break in your new heels. If you're comfortable you can get more done and have more FUN.
Got a question about a bridal shows? Leave a comment.
